How Do You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots?
If you’ve noticed an excessive amount of your tooth root is showing, you may be wondering what can be done to fix the issue.
Below is information about the causes of exposed tooth roots, what symptoms you can look for, and how exposed tooth roots can be fixed.
What Causes Exposed Tooth Roots
There are a few different causes of exposed tooth roots. Some of the most common causes of the condition include:
* Gum disease
* Gum injury
* Infection
* Bruxism
* Tooth misalignment
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Besides the root of your tooth showing, there are some other symptoms of an exposed tooth root that you can look out for. These include:
* Pain
* Swelling
* Sensitivity
* Gum bleeding
* Fever
* Other infection symptoms
If you notice these symptoms, visit your dentist for an examination. They will determine what the underlying issue is and what treatment is best for your specific needs. If these symptoms are severe, you may need to consider contacting an emergency dentist. If you are dealing with excessive pain or bleeding, don’t wait until your next appointment. See a dentist or other medical professional immediately.
How Do You Fix Exposed Tooth Roots?
Before fixing the exposure of the tooth root, you first need to address the underlying cause of the exposed root. Possible solutions may include:
* Root canal: Root canal therapy (commonly referred to as a “root canal”) is a procedure that involves removing infected pulp from the inside of a tooth.
* Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing (also known as a “deep cleaning”) involves a dentist cleaning a patient’s teeth below the gumline. This procedure allows a dentist to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be reached during a general cleaning.
* Extraction: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, your dentist may opt for extraction. The removal of a tooth isn’t taken lightly, though, and this is considered a “last resort” solution.
Gum grafting: Once the underlying issue is addressed, solutions for the tooth exposure can be considered. Gum grafting is an excellent solution for many patients. It involves grafting healthy tissue onto the area where the tooth root is exposed, which can drastically improve the appearance of the tooth.
Prevention
To prevent tooth root exposure, you’ll want to make sure you are taking proper care of your oral health. This includes visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. If you are smoking or using tobacco products, you should consider quitting. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider setting an appointment with your dentist to have a custom night guard created. Otherwise, purchase an over-the-counter night guard from a local grocery store or pharmacy.
Contact Us
If you have noticed your gums receding or you are experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned above, reach out today and schedule an appointment. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to undercover the underlying issue. From there, a treatment plan can be put in place.